PRIVATE discussions are taking place over potential further tributes in Coventry to Sky Blue hero Cyrille Regis after his life was celebrated at the Ricoh Arena.

Former Sky Blues manager and chairman Jimmy Hill’s memorial service took place at Coventry Cathedral (see Editor’s Comment).

Coventry City sources say talks are taking place about holding some kind of memorial or celebratory event in the city of Coventry.

A private family funeral followed by a public open-air memorial service will be held for Big Cyrille on Tuesday (January 30) at the Hawthorns stadium, home of his other significant club, West Bromwich Albion.

It was where he shot to fame as a member of the ‘Three Degrees’ of black players alongside Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson – who are remembered as pioneers against racism.

The former England forward is seemingly universally admired and respected citywide and nationwide as not just one of English football’s all-time greats, but as a pioneer for other black footballers.

He also took a stand against racism in football and society, being involved in the Kick It Out campaign.

Cyrille’s 1987 FA Cup-winning Coventry City teammates met on Sunday and celebrated his life. said his close friend Dave Bennett.

At Saturday’s (January 20) home game versus Swindon, Cyrille, who passed away suddenly on January 14 aged 59, was remembered with one-minute’s applause before the game.

A book of condolences was signed by former players and fans of all ages in the family zone before the match. and a further minute’s applause was staged during the match’s ninth minute, in honour of the former number 9.

Symbolically, the black Sky Blues centre-forward with the number 9 on his back for the day crashed in a Cyrille-esque powerful shot from outside the box to get Coventry City on their way to an important 3-1 victory in the League two promotion tussle.

The annual Coventry City Legends’ Day organised by the former players’ association will be a Cyrille Regis day in March for the home game against Lincoln City.

A West Bromwich Albion website statement said the private funeral will be “followed by the opportunity for Cyrille’s wider circle of admirers, from football and beyond, to join the family at the stadium he always considered home for a celebration of his life and career.

“This will be staged in the East Stand, looking out to the pitch which graced his thrilling talents, and be conducted by Pastor David Carr from the church Cyrille attended, the Renewal Christian Centre in Solihull.

“This open-air service is scheduled to commence at 11am.

“There will be seats available to supporters and the general public who wish to pay their respects to one of the Baggies’ all-time greats and the Club will announce details next week of how fans can attend.

“Otherwise, supporters will have a chance to say their farewells earlier in the day as Cyrille’s funeral cortege will leave The Hawthorns at 8.45am. The Club are making plans to accommodate those fans who wish to salute Cyrille at that time before the cortege leaves for the private family service.”

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